The Whitsundays Literary Heart Awards captures the passion, depth, and impact of the literary works celebrated within the Festival, while also paying homage to the captivating Heart Reef—a natural wonder found in the Whitsundays region.
The Whitsundays Literary Heart Awards symbolise the essence of the Festival, embracing creativity, inspiration, and connection.
The 2025 Heart Awards are open for submission 14 April 2025 to 14 July 2025. Our categories for 2025 are The Gloria Burley Award for Unpublished Manuscript and the Short Story Award for writers under 18.
Past Heart Awards included:
- The Gloria Burley Award for Best Unpublished Manuscript
- Best Published Book Cover Design Award
- Best Short Story (adult and under 18 divisions)
- Poetry Prize
